Middle East: Kaolin Market 2024

Kaolin Market Size in the Middle East

In 2021, the Middle Eastern kaolin market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a slight decline. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Kaolin Production in the Middle East

In value terms, kaolin production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Kaolin Exports

Exports in the Middle East

For the third year in a row, the Middle East recorded growth in shipments abroad of kaolin and kaolinic clays, which increased by 118% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports saw strong growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, kaolin exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports posted a resilient increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Turkey dominates exports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 95% of total exports in 2021. Iran (X tons) and the United Arab Emirates (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Turkey increased at an average annual rate of +22.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+25.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of +25.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Iran (-5.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Turkey (+24 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Iran (-18.5 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) remains the largest kaolin supplier in the Middle East, comprising 86% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with an 8.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Turkey totaled +21.4%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+17.5% per year) and Iran (-9.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -10.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 41% against the previous year. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkey (-1.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Kaolin Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, purchases abroad of kaolin and kaolinic clays was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, kaolin imports soared to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Turkey was the key importing country with an import of about X tons, which accounted for 46% of total imports. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 28% share, followed by Saudi Arabia (14%). The following importers - Iran (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons) - each finished at a 7.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Bahrain (with a CAGR of +18.0%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Turkey ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported kaolin and kaolinic clays in the Middle East, comprising 51% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by the United Arab Emirates, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Turkey stood at +3.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+1.7% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+6.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+6.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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